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Elwood Indiana Fire Chief and Dept vehicle frequents Marshall, IL. –

While visiting Marshall, Illinois today, I noticed what has become a frequent sighting of mine when I visit Marshall: An Elwood Fire Department vehicle…only this time I managed to get some pictures of it.

Turns out, Elwood, Indiana is around 139 miles or a 2 hour and 14-minute drive from Marshall according to Google (here).

I called the Elwood Fire Department and was notified that the Fire Chief was driving the vehicle. He is Chief Brad Compton (here) and was appointed as Fire Chief on Sep 1, 2011.

The Elwood Mayor, Todd Jones, was informed and told me that he would take care of it.

Chief Compton appears to be using this vehicle for a personal visit and to transport materials and tools for repairs/remodeling of an apartment on Plum Street, just down from the Post Office. I witnessed him pulling materials from the back of the truck, and there was plywood, a skill saw and table, and an extension ladder on the side of the apartment to allow access to the roof. It was quite apparent what he was doing. When he noticed I was taking pictures, he either went into the apartment or hid behind the truck.

I find it hard to believe a Fire Chief would think this is a proper use of a government vehicle to drive 139 miles (one-way) for personal visits and to work on a private building. Let’s hope this type of activity stops. It is bad for the taxpayer, and bad for the fire department.

Photos below, click to enlarge:

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What an idiot. Elwood Fire Dept. Big red truck, sitting in Marshall,IL. He should be dismissed ASAP, and required to pay all expenses that are associated with this truck. Insurance, wear and tear, fuel and oil, etc. The taxpayers pay his salary, pay that back to the town of Elwood. Plus he should not be able to serve as another fire chief in any town.